THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

PORT AUTHORITY POLICE GRADUATE SECOND LARGEST RECRUIT CLASS IN DEPARTMENT’S 85-YEAR HISTORY

Date: Jan 10, 2014Press Release Number: 8-2014

New officers will begin work immediately protecting the public and Port Authority’s customers and assets

With the Port Authority striving toward a new era of enhanced security at its world-class transportation facilities, the agency today welcomed 195 new police officers to its ranks – the second largest recruit class in the PAPD’s 85-year history.

The recruits – 173 men and 22 women – received their new assignments today following a graduation ceremony at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, N.J. The new officers are the first to graduate and serve under the leadership of Chief Security Officer Joseph Dunne.

The officers, who represent dozens of communities in New York and New Jersey and come from as far away as Florida, Texas and Virginia, completed a 26-week training program at the Port Authority’s Police Academy. Their studies included New York and New Jersey law, police procedures, firearms training, evidence collection and traditional police training. Each officer also received specialized training in counter-terrorism, firefighting, first aid and the use of defibrillators.

“These new officers are among the best-trained and best-equipped law enforcement professionals anywhere in the world,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “They will now step proudly into the footsteps of their predecessors who for more than eight decades have guarded the agency’s major transportation assets and provided a high level of security for the millions of travelers who use the facilities.”

“These courageous men and women – many of whom are military veterans who proudly served their country – will now take on one of the most important jobs in law enforcement: keeping our assets and the millions of people who use them safe and secure,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Deborah Gramiccioni. “We welcome these new officers to the force, and we wish them well as they accept the extraordinary responsibility that comes with being a member of the PAPD.”

“These officers have been provided with an unprecedented level of training that will give them the tools they need to provide the extraordinary level of security that the traveling public expects,” said Port Authority Chief Security Officer Joseph Dunne. “These officers will immediately begin to put their skills to work, not only enforcing laws but as first responders at our airports, tunnels, bridges and PATH.”

The newly sworn officers include 16 U.S. military veterans. The new recruits also will enhance the department’s communication skills, with fluency in 12 foreign languages in addition to American Sign Language.

The nearly 1,700 members of the Port Authority Police Department are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all the agency’s airports, tunnels, bridges, rail system and seaport, which are crucial to moving millions of people and tons of cargo every day.

CONTACT:Port Authority of New York and New Jersey212-435-7777

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where construction crews are building the iconic One World Trade Center, which is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the State of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, please visit http://www.panynj.gov.